Personally, I love the way my hair straightener curls my hair. I find that when using a professional flat iron versus a regular curling iron I get longer lasting curls. Curling your hair with your hair straightener may sound strange, however it is extremely simple, fast and gives great looking curls.

There are a couple ways to curl your hair with a hair straightener, either way start with clean dry hair. For the best results use a 1 inch Professional Hair Straightener, as well as blow dry your hair straight with a paddle brush or round brush first. Always use a heat protectant before using heated styling tools.

The different methods also produce different looking curls so try playing around with the different methods to see which curl you like best and/or what method works best for your hair type.

Method 1 – Scissor Curl

This method is my favourite, it’s quick and easy and is also a great way to add waves and volume to your hair. I use this method to add waves like the pictures above by following the steps below except instead of starting close to my roots I start about half way down my hair and by pulling my hair in different directions while rotating the iron.

1. Section your hair by layers from bottom to top and secure with hair clips.

2. Taking 1 -2 inch sections at a time clamp the hair iron at the top of the section staying about 1 inch away from your scalp.

3. Twist the iron around 180 degrees and pull the iron down the section of hair while continuing to twist the iron around. The faster you pull the iron down the looser the curl, the slower the tighter the curl will be.

Method 2 – Twist & Pull

This method of curling creates more of a spiral like curl on your hair. Again, the faster you go the looser the curl, the slower the tighter.

1. Same as Step 1 above.

2. Take a 1 – 2 inch section of hair and hold it at the ends.

3. Place your iron over the section about 1 inch away from the roots and wrap your hair around the bottom plate.

4. Clamp plates together and glide your flat iron down towards the ends of hair while rotating the iron outwards. Keep rotating your iron while gliding it down the section until your hair comes out from between the plates.

There are a wide range of curlers and rollers available. They vary in diameter, width and length and come in heated and non-heated. The larger the roller the larger the curler, the smaller it is the tighter your curls will be.

If you have short hair then smaller curlers will work best. If your hair is long, depending on the type of curl you want, you can use any size. The large curlers will give more body and smooth, loose curls.

Taking sections of your hair, smaller sections for smaller curls, larger sections for larger curls, gently twist the section and then starting at the bottom roll the ends around the curler making sure the ends of your hair are tucked in to prevent kinks. Then roll the curlers up to the base of your scalp. Be sure not to roll too tight so you don’t cause any damage. When removing curlers unroll them in the same direction you curled them up in. This will prevent your hair from becoming tangled in the roller.

Depending on the type of roller you are using here are some tips to consider;

Heated Rollers and Steam curlers – to prevent burning your hair always make sure hair is dry before using these types of curlers. Steam curlers are the gentlest on your hair but will take a little longer as you have to wait for them to dry.

Velcro rollers – because you don’t need clips these are great for shorter styles as well as for fine hair that breaks easily. If using them on long hair you may need clips to help hold curlers in place.

Magnetic Rollers – used on wet hair these curlers will provide a longer lasting smooth curl.

Flexi-rods and Hair Twirlers – these long, thin rollers a spiral curl without the use of pins or clips.